TRUE Cestrians are said to have been born within the city walls of historic Chester but a new visitor experience, opening at the end of March, will resonate with people of all ages who have ever lived, worked or toured the city.

Chester: A Life Story opens at the newly converted St Michael’s Church on Bridge Street on Saturday, March 30, telling the tales of the ordinary, and extraordinary, people who have occupied the city over the past 2,000 years – stories that are shared by people all over the world today.

Created by Big Heritage and supported by the Wellcome Trust and Cheshire West and Chester Council, this £750,000 multi-sensory attraction looks at the everyday lives (and deaths) of the mums, dads, children, husbands, wives, shopkeepers, publicans, rule makers and rule breakers who have shaped the city.

The attraction will give visitors the chance to find out where their forefathers ate out in Chester, where ancestors filled up their water bottles and what happened if people were found shoplifting in 18th century Chester.

There will also be the chance to add your ‘behind bars’ selfie to the city’s Rogues Gallery, compete in an interactive dance-off and contemplate how people viewed the afterlife at points throughout history.

Big Heritage founder Dean Paton said: “Chester: A Life Story is a celebration of everyone who has made and continues to make our proud city what it is today. It isn’t about powerful earls and bishops, it’s about the everyday women, men and children who made Chester, but whose stories are often overlooked.

“Visitors will get a real hands-on and fun experience from grinding their own Cheshire flour to flying through space on a time-travelling toilet or avoiding the punishing pillory.”

MP for Chester Chris Matheson said: “This is another superb tourist attraction for Chester from a team of people who have already given us so much. Chester: A Life Story uses new digital technology to bring stories about our city to life, and I have no doubt that this ground-breaking new attraction will be a real hit with visitors and residents.

"It is another string in Chester’s tourism bow, and this is exactly the kind of partnership that helps our city to make the most of its heritage. I really am grateful for the time, energy and investment that the Big Heritage team have put into building this experience for us all to enjoy.”

An on-site shop at Chester: A Life Story will be stocked with bespoke gifts from artists and makers in the area.

  • Chester: A Life Story is open seven days a week from 10am-5pm. Tickets are priced £8.50 for adults, £7 for children, young adults and concessions, while family tickets are £25.

For more information, visit www.chesterlifestory.co.uk.